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Our research on the availability and functionality of these devices began in 2010. Over the next four years (2014) little has changed in the availability of these devices for the United States. In some European and Asian markets there are a wide variety of STB (Set Top Box) DVR / PVR systems available that, like a traditional home VCR, allow you to schedule and record television programing without paying anyone a monthly fee to use the recorder. In the United States a coalition of pro-[[DRM]], anti-consumer groups, including major players like the MPAA, and satellite and cable providers are working hard to use patent law to prevent manufacturers from producing and selling these modern replacements for the old VCR here in North America.Our research on the availability and functionality of these devices began in 2010. Over the next four years (2014) little has changed in the availability of these devices for the United States. In some European and Asian markets there are a wide variety of STB (Set Top Box) DVR / PVR systems available that, like a traditional home VCR, allow you to schedule and record television programing without paying anyone a monthly fee to use the recorder. In the United States a coalition of pro-[[DRM]], anti-consumer groups, including major players like the MPAA, and satellite and cable providers are working hard to use patent law to prevent manufacturers from producing and selling these modern replacements for the old VCR here in North America. The movie studios and cable and satellite providers place restrictions on video recording that make the availability of personal video recorders in the U.S. consumer market purposely restricted. Manufacturers and distributors face lawsuits and patent fees so they do not dare offer these products to Americans.== Alternative: CCTV DVR adaptation ==Since availability of a fully functional home DVR is available to the North American consumer, there are some similar devices intended for other industries that might be worth noting. Video surveillance has gone from using the VCR to modern digital recording devices. These devices are intended for capture of limited or low quality video feed from cameras in multiple channels, often without audio for video archiving and playback. Some CCTV digital recorders have an audio input for cameras with audio feed. These are often limited to monophonic sound sound for a single camera. CCTV DVR units have multiple video inputs, typically composite, and using the BNC connector type. A small CCTV DVR will have inputs for monitoring 4 cameras. Taking a look at the basic 4 camera H.264 digital CCTV recorder with audio input we find some units that can be adapted for use a cable box receiver, satellite receiver, or digital converter. Video input from a single composite feed and audio combined into mono can be recorded by a CCTV DVR. Moreover, most of these units offer a schedule timer record option. It is not the most robust way to have a DVR for home entertainment, but it might be a rudimentary replacement for that aging VHS VCR.Here are some possible units that are worth experimenting with for adaptation.* [[Vonnic DVR-C1104SEFD]] - This can be used to record based on a timer scheduler much like a VCR. If coupled with a satellite or cable receiver, as long as the receiver auto-tunes then this DVR can be programmed to start and stop a recording. This DVR has a remote control. It can do basic things like playback a recording, fast forward, and rewind. It cannot delete individual recordings. Recordings can only be removed by automatic overwrite or by reformatting the drive. Also, if rebooted, sound is disabled until a mouse is connected to the front of the unit and used to enable sound again. It is mono sound. Conclusion: It can serve as a VCR replacement, however, remote control is frustrating and it offers only the most very basic VCR like functionality. <nowiki>*</nowiki>''Some terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Vendors refer aPVR as digital video recorder (DVR); personal TV receiver (PTR); personal video station (PVS); and hard disk recorder (HDR). Some manufacturers, such as Hauppauge, use the term DVR to describe a box that might not be stand-alone, requiring a computer to connect to. The term PVR seems more frequently used with stand-alone units.''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Some terms are sometimes used interchangeably depending on the source. Vendors refer aPVR as digital video recorder (DVR); personal TV receiver (PTR); personal video station (PVS); and hard disk recorder (HDR). Some manufacturers, such as Hauppauge, use the term DVR to describe a box that might not be stand-alone, requiring a computer to connect to. The term PVR seems more frequently used with stand-alone units.'' === PVR, DVD-R, DVD Recorder === From [http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php/topic/52865-a-pvr-with-composite-input/ this thread on the DTV Forum], a PVR can only record from an internal ATSC tuner, while a DVD Recorder (DVDR) can record from external sources, such as your Dish Network satellite tuner. Some DVD Recorders have an internal hard drive. If you want to connect your Cable Box, or Satellite TV box into a DVR so that you can use it like the old VCR to timer record programming, then you will want to buy a DVD Recorder with an internal hard drive. Basically there are two different types of recorders (1) PVR/DVR and (2) a DVDR. There are many variations of PVR - most only recording FTA TV, others only pay TV, a few recording both and a few with external inputs like a VCR. The [http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php/topic/161206-the-basics-of-digital-pvrs-dvdrs-for-beginners/ DTV Forum Essay on Digital Pvrs and Dvdrs] explains the differences as well as touching on Subscription Free Digital Video Recorders. The problem with AV Forum Australia is that Australia uses a different television broadcast standard than does North America. Information on AV Forum Australia is good to gain a fundamental understanding of the technologies, but use caution in product recommendations as they are centered around that regional marketplace and not the United States. * AV Forum Australia - The leading audio visual and home theatre forum → Audio Visual & Home Theatre Equipment → Recorders, Players & DTV Receivers → [http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php/forum/8-pvrs-hdd-dvd-recorders/ PVRs, HDD & DVD Recorders] Units such as the Panasonic DMR-EH59GC-K are DVD Recorders with an internal hard drive. Units like these are very few. The Panasonic DMR-EH59GC-K was manufactured in 2012 and seems to be the most recent as of early 2015.